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How to Protect Your House from Wildfire

Wildfires can happen anywhere. Based on statistics made in cities like Savannah Georgia, 2014 had the most number of reported fires in a year and had the most land area burned. It usually happens during the dry weather and the humidity is low. It’s a natural occurrence and all you can do is to prepare for it. But how would save your home from wildfires?

Clear Any Combustible Material or Debris around Your House

Make sure that you clear out any material or debris that are combustible. This includes dry grass, dry brush, and stacks of firewood. Wood fences, especially the old ones and even the wooden deck can be considered as combustible. Make sure that there is a space that stretch out at least 30 feet from your house to lessen the chances of any wildfire touching your property. Also, keep in mind to put large concentric rings of fuel reduction to help improve your defensible space.

Protect Your Home’s Attics and Vent Openings

Check if your house is properly screened and well maintained to make sure that embers wouldn’t be able to fly into those openings and start a fire from the inside. Most contractors from Georgia would advise their clients to check if the gutters are clean to help protect your house from any possible combustion.

Protect Your House’s Roof

Roofs are probably the most exposed part of your house in any calamity, most especially fires. Tile and steel roofs are much more advisable than Class A rated roofs such as asphalt shingle types. A siding made up of wood wall holds very little resistance against fire. Fiber or stucco sidings have high fire resistance property than that of any shingle or wood wall. Make sure that your underlayment is also made up of low or non-flammable material to improve your roof’s fire resistance.

Install Non-combustible Shutters on Your Windows

Windows are very susceptible to heat since it can go right through and catch your drapes on fire. Check if your drapes’ fabric is heat resistant. If not, have the replace with the ones that are resistant to heat. Non-combustible shutters are probably the best option for replacing your window drapes.

Ask your contractor to design your house with a good access for emergency vehicles. Avoid any complex shapes or bumps out as much as possible. Reduce the places for embers to pass through to make sure that no possible hotspot can happen. Install sprinklers on your house’s interiors but make sure that you have standing water source nearby to be extra safe. You may want to check a location that is less prone to wildfires.